OPEN REDUCTION AND K-WIRE FIXATION OF DISPLACED UNSTABLE LATERAL CONDYLE FRACTURES OF THE HUMERUS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Lateral condyle fractures in children are the second most common fracture about the elbow. The problem arises in those cases which are difficult to treat by pop cast or by close reduction with percutaneous pin fixation. Late presentation is another challenge. We selected surgical treatment for such cases up to 12 weeks to evaluate our results. Objective: To study the usefulness of open reduction and K-wire fixation of displaced, unstable with or without rotation of fractures lateral condyle of the humerus in children presenting up to 12 weeks post injury Design: Prospective. Setting: Three teaching orthopaedic units Independent Medical College / Punjab Medical College, and University Medical College Faisalabad. Period: From January 2008 to December 2010. Method: In this prospective study a series of 22 patients were treated using technique of open reduction and internal fixation with k-wires. The results were assessed by criteria of Agarwal et al with little modification after follow-up for 1 year. Results: Excellent to good results were observed in all the12 patients presenting at 1–4 weeks post injury. In 5 patients presenting at 5–8 weeks, the results were excellent in one, good in 2, fair in1 and poor in one patient. In 5 patients presenting at 9-12 weeks good in 1 fair in 2 and poor in 2 patients. Conclusions: Open reduction and internal fixation is an effective treatment in all cases of displaced fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus presenting up to 12 weeks post injury on the basis of low surgical complications and high union rate.